Princeton Man Pleads Guilty to $2.5M Plano ISD Embezzlement

PLANO, Texas – Kris Wilson Gentz, a 59-year-old Princeton, Texas resident, has pleaded guilty in a stunning embezzlement scheme that siphoned over $2.5 million from the Plano Independent School District (ISD), according to U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.

Gentz, charged with conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, admitted his role before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don Bush. His tenure at Plano ISD as a Manager and Security and Fire Systems Specialist spanned from August 2001 to December 2013. During this period, Gentz, along with two other conspirators, established two fraudulent companies, Fire System Specialists (FSS) and Digital Security Solutions (DSS), purporting to maintain fire safety and security systems. Their scheme involved the generation of fake invoices, which were fraudulently approved by Gentz in his official capacity, leading to a windfall of over $2.5 million.

“Public corruption always involves the breach of a position of trust,” U.S. Attorney Bales commented. “We commend Plano ISD for their swift action and collaboration with law enforcement.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Diego Rodriguez echoed the sentiment, lauding the collaborative efforts that resolved this case promptly.

Marcus Culpepper, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), emphasized the impact on students. “This individual not only abused his position but also compromised the educational development of children,” Culpepper stated. “We are proud to have held him accountable.”

Gentz faces up to five years in federal prison. The investigation and prosecution were led by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Education OIG, the Plano Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shamoil T. Shipchandler.

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